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Ostrich family on the run in Ayrshire
Ostrich
Animal welfare officers are warning members of the public not to approach the adult ostrich.
Public advised not to approach the birds 

A family of ostriches are on the run in a village in Ayrshire, animal welfare officers have warned.

The Scottish SPCA say that there have been several sightings of an adult ostrich with its young in Patna, East Ayrshire.

Members of the public are being warned not to approach the birds, as adult ostriches can be 'extremely aggressive'.

Animal rescue officer Alistair Hill said it is unclear where the ostrich has come from.

He said: "Anyone in the area who spots the ostrich or its young should call us as soon as possible on 03000 999 999 so we can keep an eye on where these birds area.

“We are warning members of the public not to approach the adult ostrich and to especially avoid approaching its young as ostriches can be very protective and can become extremely aggressive.”

Sightings of the ostrich should be reported to our animal helpline on 03000 999 999."

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.